On the occasion of the PERCEIVE Parcour exhibition, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) posed a series of questions to Arthur Clay, senior researcher and coordinator of the PERCEIVE project. The discussion sheds light on the project’s goals and challenges, as well as its innovative approaches to integrating art, science, and technology into new museum concepts. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to experience these ideas firsthand and learn more about the vision behind the PERCEIVE project.
Q: What has been the greatest challenge so far in integrating AI and VR into cultural heritage research?
A: The use of AI in cultural heritage is becoming increasingly important. In the PERCEIVE project, one of the greatest challenges, particularly in the field of VR, has been finding a strategy for using this technology appropriately. Unlike gaming, where creative freedom is often encouraged, cultural heritage requires a clear distinction between what is real (the original or “heritage”) and what has been digitally generated using AI.
One example is the reconstruction of the original polychromy of a statue—i.e., a colored statue that is now colorless but was once painted. AI can be used to generate various possible color schemes. However, a major issue arises: the lack of “ground truths,” or verified data. Often, only small pigment traces remain on a few areas of the statue, providing limited information and making it difficult to assess the accuracy of AI-generated color versions.
It is therefore necessary to develop a strategy that clearly communicates that these color versions are AI-generated and represent possibilities of how the statue may have been painted—without certainty. To achieve this, we use multi-textural representations that alternate between different color reconstructions while also showing the current, colorless state of the statue. This ensures that the reconstructions are understood as hypothetical and that the scientific context and uncertainties remain transparent.
Without such strategies, there is a risk that viewers might perceive the generated colors as historically accurate. This highlights the need for new methods and tools to better align historical authenticity, scientific transparency, and the possibilities of AI-based reconstructions in cultural heritage.
Q: What message would you like to convey to the visitors of the Perceive Parcour exhibition?
A: A central idea of the PERCEIVE Parcour exhibition is that visitors should take control of their museum experience. Instead of passive observation, the focus is on the active, individual design of the experience.
The exhibition offers interactive stations and flexible pathways that allow visitors to explore art and technology from their own perspective. This concept reflects the philosophy that a museum is not merely a place of observation but also a space for co-creation.
We aim for visitors to discover, through their choices and interactions, how deeply connected art, science, and technology can be—and that they themselves are part of this dynamic dialogue. In the exhibition, visitors determine their path, pace, and manner of engagement, fostering a unique, personal relationship with art and cultural heritage.
Q: In your opinion, how could the work of the PERCEIVE project influence the future of museums and art galleries?
A: The PERCEIVE project has the potential to fundamentally transform museums and art galleries by establishing new approaches to the perception, preservation, and presentation of cultural heritage. At its core is a hybrid approach that seamlessly integrates physical and digital elements while preserving authenticity and cultural integrity.
A strong emphasis is placed on the active role of visitors, who can shape their museum experience individually. Interactive formats and flexible access points enable diverse ways to engage with art and culture—whether through traditional observation or the use of smart devices that provide additional information and perspectives.
The Open Space Museum exemplifies this approach by utilizing smart devices to make cultural heritage accessible both on-site and in digital contexts. These elements complement physical heritage without overshadowing its character and encourage a deeper engagement with the exhibited works.
By combining traditional and modern approaches, the PERCEIVE project demonstrates how museums and galleries can evolve into dynamic, inclusive spaces that remain relevant for current and future generations. It provides a framework for preserving cultural diversity while leveraging modern technologies to open new dimensions of communication and experience.
